Module Study Guide

Academic Year 2017-2018

Advanced Theatre Production for

Actors
Location: St Mary’s Road

Module Code: MU60217E

Level: 6
Credits: 20

Version No 15/1 © UWL 2017

Table of Contents
Advanced Theatre Production for Actors .................................................................. 1
1. Module Leader, Teaching Team and Module Administrator Details ...................... 1
2. Key Contacts ......................................................................................................... 2
3. Further Information ................................................................................................ 3
4. Welcome to the Module ......................................................................................... 4
5. Timetable/Venue/Rooms ....................................................................................... 4
6. Aims of the Module ................................................................................................ 4
7. Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................... 5
8. Content of the Module ........................................................................................... 5
9. Learning Resources .............................................................................................. 6
10. Reading List ........................................................................................................ 7
11. Assessment: General Information ...................................................................... 8
12. Details of Assessment ......................................................................................... 8
Assessment 1 ........................................................................................................... 8
Assessment 2 ........................................................................................................... 9
13. Summative Assessment Grid ............................................................................ 12
14. External Examiner(s) ......................................................................................... 13
15. Statement on Plagiarism ................................................................................... 13
16. Evaluation of the Module ................................................................................... 14
17. Personal Development Plan (PDP) ................................................................... 14
18. If You Have an Issue ......................................................................................... 14
19. Drop-in Support Service and Engagement Team Services ............................... 14
20. Guide to Learning Sessions .............................................................................. 16

1. Module Leader, Teaching Team and Module Administrator Details

Module Leader Paul Harvard

Subject and BA Acting – London College of Music
School/College

Email paul.harvard@uwl.ac.uk

Phone 02082312536

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Location PK01.06

Academic Support Shelagh Hewson

Librarian
Job title Academic Support Librarian for LCM

Email shelagh.hewson@uwl.ac.uk

Phone 02082312151

Location PE.02.07

Administrator Patrick Hart

Job title Administrative Officer

Email patrick.hart@uwl.ac.uk

Phone 0208 231 2152

Location HT.GF.004

2. Key Contacts

They key contacts for your course are set out below:

The Course Leader responsible for this module is Paul Harvard, and can be contacted at
paul.harvard@uwl.ac.uk

The Head of Subject responsible for this module is David Henson, and can be contacted
at david.henson@uwl.ac.uk

The Head of School responsible for this module is Sara Raybould, and can be
contacted at sara.raybould@uwl.ac.uk

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3. Further Information

Total Guided Learning Hours 200

Consisting of:
Teaching Contact Hours 44
Independent Study Hours 156
Placement Hours 0

Assessment:
Percentage of final marks assessed
by:
Exam 0%
Coursework 20%
Practical 80%

Due Dates:
Assessments for this module are due
on the following dates:

The practical assessment takes place

during the production weeks, i.e. either
w/c of 16th or 23nd April (subject to
change).

The written submission will be due on

Friday 4th May at 5.00 via Turnitin.

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 Section

A
Overview and Content
4. Welcome to the Module

This Module Study Guide is designed to help you to understand what is expected of
you in order to pass this module. General information about learning support, learning
resources and plagiarism, for example is in your Course Handbook and is not
repeated here.

Always consider that your tutors are here to support you and are keen for you to
succeed. Remember if you have an individual problem, and you are unable to contact
your Module Leader then please seek advice from your Personal Tutor as to how to
proceed with the matter of concern.

5. Timetable/Venue/Rooms

Please refer to your weekly timetable for details of times and rooms. Classes on this
course take place at three venues: Villiers House, the Ealing Town Hall and the St. Mary’s
Road site.

6. Aims of the Module

The module aims to enable you to:

 Create theatrically believable characters and emotions appropriate to the

demands of the text and style of production
 Define the objectives relating to character in rehearsal and embody and
express these within the production
 Create and communicate truth, emotion and thought within the playing of any
role
 Play with a sense of spontaneity
 Develop a strong understanding of professional behaviour in all aspects of
production
 Prepare, and rehearse in a professional manner and perform to a professional
standard
 Evaluate your own effectiveness as a company member and a performer and
the effectiveness of the production as a whole

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7. Learning Outcomes

1. understand and recognise the emotions required to support the role within
the production;
2. define objectives (basic action, episodes, facts and events) relating to a
character in rehearsal and embody these in performance;
3. create and communicate truthfully, character, emotion, thought as required
by the style of the production, using vocal and physical means effectively;
4. within the framework of the production, demonstrate an ability to respond
spontaneously in character to variations in the performance situation
5. understand Health & Safety implications of all aspects of a production
which affect performers;
6. demonstrate in your behaviour a consistent understanding of
professionalism within the entire rehearsal and performance process;
7. perform to a professional standard;
8. analyse and critique objectively the work of yourself, others within the
ensemble and the production team and evaluate the effectiveness of the
production as a whole.

8. Content of the Module

This module offers you a second major opportunity to apply your skill-set you’ve acquired
throughout the course - both in rehearsal and in public performance.
As with your previous module, Public Production 1, the main outcome of this module is a
professional-level production performed to a public audience. It will provide you with an
opportunity to take advantage of the experience of the previous modules and your
reflections on your experiences and development as an actor. You will have become
more aware of your individual nature as a performer, as well as of your range and your
areas of strength and weakness. This module represents your final opportunity as part of
the course to put into practice all that you have learnt about being a performer. There is
an even greater emphasis than before on professionalism in terms of, preparation,
rehearsal etiquette, and performance focus. There is an expectation that your approach to
your role(s) will demonstrate the conscientious and consistent application of your actor’s
process, resulting in an informed and integrated performance.

As before, the choice of text for production will reflect the overall range casting needs of
the ensemble - allowing a full range of playing skills to inform the work. The choice will be
made by the management team of the BA Acting Programme and will identify the
potentially wide range of skills within the student body, aiming to extend these in the
process of production.

A Working Reflective Journal will be kept recording the process of learning within
this area and this will in turn provide subsequent material for self-analysis in written
and as a support for any discussions between student and tutor.

You will become a member of a performance company, playing as cast by the

director; in this role you will need to be able to engage with the entire production

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process. As a performer you must working with the director to establish a specific
style of playing and a clear sense of character. You will need in particular to develop
a keen sense of specific directorial input which informs the practice of the actor.

The production will require performers to prepare, rehearse and perform. All these
aspects must be approached professionally, with respect not just for other
performers, but all members of the production team – designers, technicians and
stage management, for example. Audiences ‘assess’ performers solely on
performances, and these may vary with all sorts of factors from night to night. As
professionals in training, you have the advantage of being assessed for the
preparation and rehearsal phases of your work as well.

The practical assessment criteria cover all phases of production. The Working Journal
gives you the opportunity to gain additional credit for the preparation and rehearsal
phases by offering evidence that you are a serious and professional performer, and
that you observe intelligently and sensitively and reflect on your own progress.

This is your final production on the course – a stepping-stone into the profession.
There will be a strong emphasis on professional behaviour throughout the period of
the production.

Inevitably, in productions not all roles have equal stage-time, lines or numbers.
However, the size of the role has no bearing on the mark-range available to you; what
is important is to approach any role with the same enthusiasm, determination and
professionalism. This applies equally to professionals in training and professionals
working in the industry.

9. Learning Resources

UWL Library Services offers resources, high quality services and professional
expertise to enable the effective discovery and use of information and to support
teaching, learning and research across the institution.

Library Services operates in two locations:

• The Paul Hamlyn Library is located in the Peter John building on St Mary’s Road
campus. This brand new Library opened in September 2015 and is spread across
four floors, offering students access to a full range of print and electronic resources.
Each floor offers a different study environment, from flexible group study areas to
individual study pods.

• The Reading site library is on the 10th floor of Fountain House, providing support to
our students at the Berkshire Institute of Health.

All students are automatically members of the Library – the ID card is also the library
card. Self-service machines are available at all sites, allowing for independent
borrowing when service desks are not staffed. PC workstations, printing facilities and
Wi-Fi access are also provided.

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Details of opening hours (including 24/7 opening dates at the Paul Hamlyn Library),
borrowing information and contact details is available at http://uwl.ac.uk/library.

As well as print and audio-visual collections, we also provide a wide range of e-

resources and books, online subject guides (LibGuides) and a search engine tool
(Summon) to help find resources on module reading lists or research information for
assignments and projects easily. Wherever possible, module reading lists are also
available electronically via the module page on Blackboard.

Academic Support Librarians (ASLs) assigned to each School provide guidance and
support through timetabled training sessions, drop-in sessions, virtual help, and one-to-
one sessions (if required). Information on ASLs is available at
http://uwl.ac.uk/library/about-library/meet-librarians.

10. Reading List

The reading list for this module is available on Blackboard in the module area or by
searching https://uwl.rl.talis.com/index.html. This shows real-time availability of
books in the library catalogue and direct links to online resources.

Special online support guides (http://www.uwl.ac.uk/library/finding-and-using-

information/subject-guides-libguides) for the subject are also available to help you
find relevant information for assignments, with contact details of the Academic
Support Librarian for your subject.

Core texts:

Mitchell, K. (2008) The Director’s Craft: A Handbook for Theatre. London: Routledge

Essential Reading:

Adler, S. (2000) The Art of Acting. New York: Applause Theatre and Cinema Books
Benedetti, J. (1989) Stanislavsky: an Introduction. London: Methuen
Caldarone, M. and Lloyd-Williams, M. (2004) Actions, The Actor’s Thesaurus.
London: Nick Hern
Hagen, U. (1973) Respect for Acting. New York: Wiley Publishing
Meisner, S. and Longwell, D. (1987) On Acting. New York: Vintage
Merlin, B. (2001) Beyond Stanislavsky. London: Nick Hern Books

Recommended Reading:

Mitter, S. (1992) Systems of Rehearsal. London: Routledge

Websites:

N/A

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 Section

B
Assessment and Feedback
11. Assessment: General Information

For general information about assessment, see your Course Handbook. This includes
information about Turnitin and PebblePad.

12. Details of Assessment

Assessment 1

Assessment task: Rehearsal and Performance

Weighting: 80%

Date/time/method of submission: Practical Assessment. The practical assessment

takes place during the production weeks, i.e. either w/c of 16 th or 23nd April (subject to
change).

Word count or equivalent: required rehearsal and performance time

Assessment criteria:

 create theatrically believable characters and emotions appropriate to the style

of production;
 define the objectives relating to character in rehearsal and embody and
express these within the production;
 create and communicate truthfully, character, emotion, thought as required by
the style of the production, using vocal and physical means effectively;
 within the framework of the production show a sensitive awareness of the live
nature of performance by responding creatively to variations in performance
conditions
 contribute creatively to the rehearsal process, within the framework of a
directed production, exploiting textual analysis and background research as
necessary
 demonstrate an informed awareness of Health & Safety implications of all
aspects of a production relevant to public performance
 show a consistent understanding of professionalism within the entire rehearsal
and performance process;

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  perform to a professional standard, showing a sensitive awareness of the
audience.

Assessment 1 will consist of two sections: Process (40%) and Performance (60%).
Students will be made aware of the breakdown result, the two marks will be submitted
to achieve the weighting requirement of 80%.

Marking scheme: For the detailed framework for assigning marks, with reference to
classification, please see your Course Handbook.

Timing and methods of feedback: Audio-recorded feedback will be available within 15

days via Turnitin.

Assessment 2

Assessment task: Working Journal

Weighting: 20%

Date/time/method of submission: The written submission will be due on

Friday 4th May at 5.00 via Turnitin.

Word count or equivalent: 5000 words

Assessment criteria:

To submit an individual written response in an appropriate format highlighting your

personal reflections regarding the journey of the actor/performer within this specific
production (no more than 5,000 words).

In the process of maintaining this working journal you are required to make full use of
your rehearsal notes and director’s feedback sessions as you analyse and reflect
upon your own work and study. The journal will help to inform you of the extent of
your consideration of your personal development as an actor and any investigations
relating to progress and process. The Working Journal must not only be used as a
valuable resource for information relevant to your critical writing but must be
presented in conjunction with your final performance work in order to enhance a more
positive sense of feedback at the end of your production work.

Note that you are required to analyse and critique objectively the work of yourself,
others within the ensemble and the production team and evaluate the effectiveness of
the production as a whole. You should also include reflections on your own
professional behaviour and assess the level of professionalism of the company as a
whole.

It is important to remember that the Working Journal is an integral part of your

personal work and will form the basis of any tutorial discussions held throughout the
course of this production. The journal is required for submission as part of this
module.

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NB: You are required to keep a separate Movement and Voice Journal for
submission as an assignment for the related Advanced Movement and Voice
module. You are allowed to discuss issues related to Voice and Movement in
the Journal for your Advanced Theatre production, but be aware that your
writing about issues relating to your own development in Voice and Movement
will be primarily assessed in your Advanced Movement and Speech Journal.

Within this assessment you will be required to:

 manage own learning using a range of resources

 demonstrate critical skills relating to the development and understanding of the
‘reflective’ practitioner
 demonstrate a critical awareness of the dynamics of working as part of a team
under a director
 demonstrate your awareness of appropriate professional behaviour
 evaluate the effectiveness of your contribution to the production process and
performance, and the effectiveness of the production as a whole.

Marking scheme: For the detailed framework for assigning marks, with reference to
classification, please see your Course Handbook.

Timing and methods of feedback: Voice-recorded feedback will be available within 15

days via Turnitin.

Note on Submission:

This assessment element is to be submitted to Turnitin. You will find a link to the Turnitin
Assignment from the Assessments area of the Blackboard course menu.

You will need to ensure that your assessment is uploaded as a single document, and in
the correct format (e.g. a Word document or PDF – the acceptable file formats are
displayed on screen when you come to submit via Turnitin).

When submitting, please enter your student ID number in the “submission title” box. The
document itself should contain your student ID number in a header or footer; your name
should not be visible on the work.

Turnitin generates an Originality Report, and you are encouraged to make use of this
facility as a support tool to help you ensure the source material in your assignment is
correctly referenced before final submission.
You will be able to submit revised drafts of your work up until the assignment due date.
Only the final version will be marked by your tutor.

At the due date and time, no further submissions or changes are possible. Whatever is in
the Turnitin inbox at this time will be regarded as your final submission.

A separate submission box is provided for students with an agreed extension, or

submitting under the 5 Day Rule.

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For guidance on online submission of assignments, including how to submit and
how to access online feedback, please refer to the UWL Blackboard student help
pages at:
http://www.uwl.ac.uk/blackboardhelp

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 13. Summative Assessment Grid

Type of Module Word count or Due date and Threshold (if Pass mark Weighting Date assignment
assessment learning equivalent time applicable) feedback will be
outcome(s) made available to
student

Practical LO Required During the No Aggregate 80% 21st May

(Rehearsal and 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 rehearsal and production (overall) of
Performance) production time. weeks, i.e. 40%
either w/c of
16th or 23nd
April (subject
to change).

Reflective LO 1, 2, 5, 8 5000 words Friday 4th May No 20% 25h May

Journal at 5.00 via
Turnitin.

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14. External Examiner(s)
The External Examiner is an independent academic staff member from another institution
who provides assurance that the assessment system is fair and ensures that standards
on the course are comparable to other institutions.
The External Examiner(s) for this module are listed below. Please note that this is
provided for information only; students are not permitted to enter into any correspondence
about their marks with External Examiners.

Name Jason Benson

Job Title Programme Director

Institution University of Wales Trinity Saint David

15. Statement on Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the practice of taking someone else’s work and/or ideas and
passing it/them off as your own. It is the action of presenting someone else’s work as
one’s own irrespective of intention. Close paraphrasing without adequate attribution;
copying from the work of another person, including another student; using the ideas
of another person without proper acknowledgement all constitute examples of
plagiarism. In addition, the act of re-using work (whether in part or in whole) that you
have previously submitted for graded assessment – at the University of West London
or at another institution - without properly referencing yourself (known as ‘self-
plagiarism’ ) shall also constitute plagiarism.

For further information please refer to the Student Handbook Section 3. University
Regulations and Student Code of Conduct

For further advice on plagiarism go to the UWL website:

http://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/current-students/Advice-students-plagiarism

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16. Evaluation of the Module

i) Evaluation framework
Towards the end of the module you will be invited to provide some feedback to the
module leader. This will be through an online or paper survey and you will be given a few
minutes in a taught session to complete it. Please think carefully about the feedback you
provide. Constructive feedback will help your module leader understand your experience
and help inform the development of the module. If you have concerns about individual
members of staff, these should be taken to your module or course leader whose details
are in Section 2 of this guide rather than expressed through the survey.

ii) Improvements made in response to student feedback

The venue of the rehearsal room has been changed in response to feedback from a
Course Committee.

17. Personal Development Plan (PDP)

See the chart in your Course Handbook which shows what kinds of achievement this
module offers you opportunities to record.

18. If You Have an Issue

If you have an issue with the module or course you should speak to your personal
tutor or Module Leader in the first instance. You could also speak to your Course
Representative who will be able to raise it at a Course Committee which take place
once each semester. You can also raise issues with your Course Leader. It is
important that you raise matters as soon as possible so that they can be resolved.

If you have a complaint about the course you should raise this informally in the first
instance with the Course Leader. If you are unable to resolve it informally, you should
use the Complaints Procedure which is outlined in the Student Handbook. You are
also encouraged to contact the Students’ Union about it. The University aims to
ensure that most issues are resolved informally but the Complaints Procedure is there
to help you resolve issues if this is not the case.

19. Drop-in Support Service and Engagement Team Services

Drop-in Support Service:

Offering academic and personal advice – Available daily.

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One to one support is provided at drop-ins run by members of the drop-in support
team. They offer guidance and support with any aspect of a student’s experience
that is causing concern or confusion, academically or personally.
No appointment needed - Students are seen on a first come, first served basis.
Drop-ins are available daily in the following locations:

St Mary’s Road (Ealing site) in ‘The Street’ ST.GF.011

Paragon (Brentford site) in PR309f (Third Floor)

Drop-in Timetables are available by emailing:

drop-in.support@uwl.ac.uk

Peer Mentoring Service

Students Supporting Students
On-going support can also be provided by pairing a student with another student
who is working at a level above them on the same course. Students interested in
having a mentor, or becoming a mentor, should email:
mentoring.service@uwl.ac.uk

Academic Skills Workshops

The UWL Student Engagement Team runs a series of academic skills workshops
throughout the year. These range from how to write and plan an essay, time
management advice, habits of successful writing, note taking, dissertation advice
and much more. Beginners’ tutorials on Microsoft Office are also provided. For
information about the latest workshops on offer please contact
engagement.team@uwl.ac.uk.

As well as individual booked appointments available throughout the year, your

Academic Support Librarians offer a range of information skills workshops to help
students find, evaluate and reference quality information for assignments,
dissertations and projects. For more information about the latest workshops on offer
go to http://www.uwl.ac.uk/library/library-services/skills-workshops

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 Section

C
20. Guide to Learning Sessions

Please note: the following session outlines are a guide only, and individual sessions
may be subject to alteration or change.

The following information applies to all learning sessions:

Session Tutor's notes prepared and exercises relating to: (i) as
Preparation and when appropriate to the demands of the research
elements associated with the study and understanding of the
performance piece; (ii) set exercises to develop work-points
identified within the rehearsal; (iii) self-assessment sheet/s
to be prepared for the development of roles, moments,
scenes, relationships etc.

Homework and self-preparation will include prepared

scene work where appropriate and required for the
development of the work being undertaken. Consider the
personal research requirements for the next session.
Director to identify any alternative reading to be undertaken
within the production process. This will also require the
learning of words by appropriate points.

Preparation and Rehearsal Sessions (there is no point in numbering these;

a rehearsal schedule will be published which will give relevant times and
dates and, as far as possible, content of sessions)
Topic Theory into Practice – Rehearsal process undertaken
under the direction of the Visiting professional Director
Key To explore all aspects of the chosen play and its relevant
Concepts/Issues production values. These will then be expressed through
the final performance and the Working Journal. Other
issues will be:
 Working to direction
 Sustain the life of a character in rehearsal and
performance
 Work individually and collaboratively
 Be able to sustain the life of a character throughout
the entire process
Teaching/Learning A variety of rehearsal techniques and study sessions
relating to the agreed production
Relevance to All theory will be placed into a practical context by working
Assignments on a two-week performance project within the First

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 Semester.

Production Week
Topic Final preparation for and Performances of production.
This will include the handling of technical and dress
rehearsals and all related activities – Director’s Call; re-
working of scenes; taking director’s notes; engaging with
agents; professional CV’s .
Key Consolidate all taught material relating to the professional
Concepts/Issues demands to be made upon the actor throughout the
module.
Teaching/Learning Production ‘values’ and an insight into the total
performance process – exploration of relationships
between actor and director
Relevance to All theory will be placed into a practical context by working
Assignments on the production. (80%).

The Working Journal (20%) and all associated acting notes

must be completed in order to be considered for this
assessment.

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